Van Heflin
Born in Walters, Oklahoma, Heflin began his acting career on Broadway in the early 1930 before being signed to a contract by RKO Studios. His first film A Woman Rebels (1936) featured him opposite Katharine Hepburn, and although he received good reviews, RKO did not try to build his potential. Signed by MGM Studios in 1940 he was cast in Santa Fe Trail (1940), and Johnny Eager (1941), winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the latter performance.
MGM began to groom him as a leading man in B Pictures, and provided him with strong supporting roles in more prestigious productions. Among his film credits are Presenting Lily Mars (1943), The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946), Possessed (1947) and Shane (1953).
He also returned to perform on stage throughout his acting career. His stage credits include The Philadelphia Story on Broadway opposite Katharine Hepburn.
His last major role was in the film Airport (1970).
He sufferred a heart attack while swimming in his pool at his home in Hollywood, California, and died several days later.
Van Heflin has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to motion pictures at 6309 Hollywood Boulevard, and for television at 6125 Hollywood Boulevard.
Van Heflin Facts
Birth Name | Emmett Evan Heflin Jr. |
Occupation | Actor |
Birthday | December 13, 1910 |
Sign | Sagittarius |
Birthplace | Walters, Oklahoma, USA |
Date of death | July 23, 1971 (age 60) |
Height | 6' (1m83) How tall is Van Heflin compared to you? |
Awards | 1943 Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor (for Johnny Eager) |
Selected Filmography
The Three Musketeers | ||
Till The Clouds Roll By | ||
Possessed | ||
Classic Westerns, 10-Movie Collection: When Daltons Rode / The Virginian / Whispering Smith / The Spoilers / Comanche Territory / Sierra / Kansas Raiders / Tomahawk / Albuquerque / Texas Rangers Ride Again | ||
The Joan Crawford Collection | ||
Shane | ||
The Greatest Story Ever Told | ||
3:10 To Yuma | ||
Airport: The Complete Collection | ||
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